LTO eyes standard driving school rates

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is planning to standardize the fees being charged by driving schools, Unang Balita reported on Monday.

According to LTO chief Jose Arturo Tugade, they have already formed a committee to review the agency's rules and regulations regarding the accreditation of driving schools.

One of the focus of the committee is the supposedly high rates being charged by driving schools, which is reportedly the subject of several complaints received by the LTO.

A complainant said she had to spend up to P18,000 just to secure a driver's license.

A representative from one driving school, meanwhile, said the fees are used for fuel, the maintenance and insurance of vehicles, and the salaries of the driving instructors.

Tugade said the LTO offers a free theoretical driving course but it has limited slots.

The LTO charges P100 for student permit application, P150 for student permit, and P100 for non-professional license application, and P585 for driver's license.

Applicants for driver's license are required to take theoretical and practical driving courses. —KBK, GMA Integrated News